Updated May 8, 2023
Are you wondering if it’s safe to eat Raising Cane’s chicken fingers while pregnant?
You are not alone!
Raising Cane’s is one of my family’s favorite places to get fried chicken.
I asked myself more than once “can I eat Raising Cane’s while pregnant?”
Here’s what you need to know.
During pregnancy, you have special nutritional needs and certain foods need to be avoided.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
The main issue with Raising Cane’s is that the only chicken option they have is fried chicken so it is not the healthiest fast food option to choose during pregnancy.
So treat eating at Raising Cane’s as a treat and do so rarely during pregnancy.
Raising Cane’s is one of the few fast restaurants where I feel like the neverending drive-through line is worth the wait.
I craved everything about Cane’s during pregnancy from the moist, juicy chicken strips that actually taste like chicken (if you know you know.), Cane’s sauce, coleslaw, and their buttery Texas toast.
So let’s talk about it.
Can I eat Raising Cane’s while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat Raising Cane’s chicken fingers while pregnant.
A couple of things our OB/GYN Dr. Doug Penta, MD said to keep in mind when eating at Raising Cane’s:
Watch your portion size. The chicken at Raising Cane’s is fried.
It is healthier to eat chicken that is baked or grilled during pregnancy.
Make sure that the food is cooked to a safe temperature.
Eat the chicken while it is hot.
There is a risk of food-borne illness from eating cooked chicken that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The primary risk is Salmonella.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Eating chicken that is not properly cooked, or any type of undercooked poultry during pregnancy can increase the risk of salmonella food poisoning.
Choose a side salad instead of fries.
Fries are high in calories and fat.
Raising Cane’s doesn’t offer a side salad option but they do offer cole slaw and their cole slaw cup is only 100 calories!
If you do decide to eat the fries order a kid’s size or share an order with a friend.
This is one of the few drawbacks to eating at Raising Cane’s during pregnancy, they don’t offer any lower calorie options, nor do they offer salads.
Drink water with your meal instead of soda or sweet tea.
Water will help keep you hydrated and it won’t add any extra calories to your meal.
Here are some more tips on how to make sure your meal out at Raising Cane’s is healthy and safe:
- Check the temperature of your food before eating.
Make sure that all poultry dishes are cooked through (no pink!) and other foods such as fries are hot when served.
If you get a combo that comes with cole slaw make sure the cole slaw is served cold.
- Be aware of any ingredients that you are sensitive to.
Raising Cane’s chicken isn’t very spicy, but it is deep fried which can lead to heartburn and some nausea during pregnancy.
Avoid dishes with raw or undercooked chicken and unpasteurized dressings or sauces.
- Ask your server for any additional information on the menu items you are considering.
And don’t be afraid to ask for modifications to make sure your meal meets your needs.
As an example, I always request that my chicken be cooked a little longer.
Several years ago I had a bout of Salmonella from eating undercooked chicken and I do not want to ever go through that again.
Raising cane isn’t the healthiest fast food option for pregnancy but if it is what you are craving or what someone else is serving these are the things you should order:
Raising Cane’s box combo nutritional information:
The box combo consists of 4 chicken fingers, fries, Cane’s sauce, Texas toast, and coleslaw. One portion (1 box) contains 1250 calories with 68 g of fat, 135 g of carbohydrates, and 42 g of protein.
Raising Cane’s Caniac combo nutritional information:
The Caniac Combo is a larger portion of the box combo and includes 6 chicken fingers, fries, Cane’s sauce, Texas toast, and coleslaw. One portion (1 ) caniac combo) contains 1790 calories with 104 g of fat, 199 g of carbohydrates, and 63g of protein.
Other menu items that are considered safe during pregnancy include:
• The chicken sandwich combo contains 3 fried chicken strips, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo (ask for it without mayo if you prefer). Calories: 1020
• The crinkle-cut fries.
• Cole slaw.
• Applesauce cups.
The Three Finger Combo Nutritional Information:
The Three Finger Combo includes three chicken fingers, a serving of crinkle-cut fries, and a dip of Cane’s Sauce. One portion (1 three-finger combo) contains 1020 calories with 56 g of fat, 81 g of carbohydrates, and 47 g of protein.
What are Raising Cane’s chicken fingers made of and how healthy is it for pregnant women?
Raising Cane’s chicken fingers are made of all-natural white meat chicken, coated in a special blend of herbs and spices, and cooked fresh to order.
It isn’t very healthy because the chicken is fried, but it is loaded with protein, and Raising Cane’s chicken is fresh juicy all-white-meat chicken that tastes like real chicken.
Unlike the chicken, you find at some fast food restaurants.
Is there a difference between eating Raising Cane’s chicken fingers and other types of fried chicken?
Yes, there is a difference.
Raising Cane’s chicken fingers are made with all-natural white meat chicken rather than dark or processed meats such as those found in other types of fried chicken.
This makes Cane’s chicken fingers a healthier and safer option for pregnant women.
Once you pull a Raising Cane’s chicken strip apart you’ll see it is made with all-white meat chicken.
How to make Raising Cane’s chicken fingers a part of your pregnancy diet?
Well, the best way is to eat there rarely during pregnancy.
It isn’t that you can’t eat there.
It needs to be a treat or splurge once or twice during pregnancy.
Raising Cane’s chicken is high in fat and calories which could lead to too much weight gain during pregnancy.
The best idea is to get Raising Cane’s as takeout and bring it home and add a large side salad or another vegetable to make sure you are getting the right nutrients for you and your growing baby.
Are there any risks associated with eating Raising Cane’s chicken fingers during pregnancy?
The main risk associated with eating Raising Cane’s chicken fingers during pregnancy is consuming undercooked or raw foods.
To avoid this, make sure that your food is cooked through before eating
Another risk is that the chicken is fried and that can trigger nausea and vomiting, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Is canes sauce safe during pregnancy?
Raising Cane’s sauce is made with mayo and it does contain eggs.
Their website doesn’t say if the eggs they use are pasteurized.
It is likely in a commercial establishment that the eggs are pasteurized.
But your best bet is to ask at the restaurant you are eating at before ordering.
Cane’s sauce also has anchovies in it.
Anchovies are considered safe to eat during pregnancy.
Is Raising Cane’s sauce pasteurized?
You’ll need to ask the restaurant.
Cane’s sauce is made with eggs.
While it is most likely that the eggs us to make the sauce have been pasteurized, it shouldn’t be assumed.
The best thing you can do is ask at the Raising Cane’s restaurant you are visiting..
How to make copycat Cane’s sauce at home:
Here is my favorite copy cat Raising Cane’s sauce recipe.
You can use this recipe at home and make a lower-fat and calorie version of Cane’s sauce.
Add grilled or baked chicken strips with a side salad and you have a pregnancy-friendly meal with a side of delicious Cane’s sauce!
Can I eat restaurant chicken during pregnancy?
Yes! You can eat chicken from a restaurant during pregnancy.
It is important to be sure the chicken is cooked completely.
You don’t want to risk getting a foodborne illness during pregnancy.
When ordering chicken out go for grilled, broiled, or baked chicken when that is an option.
Skinless chicken is better than chicken with the skin on.
But it is safe to eat the skin on cooked chicken during pregnancy if you like it.
The skin is higher in fact and calories than eating skinless white meat chicken so aim for portion moderation when you do indulge in eating the skin on chicken.
Can I eat chipotle mayo while pregnant?
Chipotle mayo contains raw eggs, which are generally not recommended for pregnant women.
Pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts of raw or undercooked eggs, as they can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses such as salmonella and listeria.
To reduce the risk, it is best to eat mayo made with pasteurized egg products when available.
Most commercial mayos are made with pasteurized eggs.
What takeout can you eat while pregnant?
You can eat takeout from most restaurants while you are pregnant.
The key is to make smart choices when ordering your meals.
- Choose menu options that include lean cuts of meat, fresh vegetables, and low-fat/low-sugar sauces.
- Avoid deep-fried foods if possible. If eating fried foods, eat a smaller portion size and add in a side salad.
- Watch out for hot and spicy menu options. Spicy food is delicious and a common pregnancy craving, but it can trigger heartburn and nausea during pregnancy.
- Do not eat raw seafood, which includes sushi and oysters.
- Eating raw fish or shellfish could lead to contracting a severe food-borne illness from bacteria or toxins in the seafood.
- Make sure all deli meat sandwiches are heated until steaming hot.
- This is important to avoid the chance that the meat is contaminated with Listeria.
- Listeria can cause a severe foodborne illness that could be fatal to you and your baby.
One of the safest things you can do before eating takeout food is to make sure the food is fully cooked and piping hot.
Tips for eating out in restaurants while pregnant:
- Avoid buffets – you don’t know how fresh the food is or how well it’s been cooked. Not going to be an issue at Panda Express, but a good tip to keep in mind as you plan where to eat out during pregnancy.
- Stick to restaurants that you know and trust – this way you can be sure that the food is fresh and of good quality.
- When in doubt, ask your waiter or waitress for recommendations on safe dishes to eat while pregnant.
- Order simple dishes that are easy to digest.
- Avoid anything with raw eggs or undercooked meat.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Beware of hidden sources of sodium in restaurant food
- Avoid foods made with unpasteurized dairy products.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a modification to your meal!
List of foods to not eat when pregnant:
- Foods that are not pasteurized– certain types of cheese like soft cheeses, Brie, Blue Cheese, etc.
- Certain types of fish– shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
- Raw eggs including egg nog, hollandaise sauce, homemade mayonnaise, homemade eggnog, and runny eggs.
- Undercooked meats– lunch meats. Deli meats.
- Hot foods that are not “hot”, avoid hot foods that have been sitting out without a warming source. Same for foods that should be eaten cold. If no ice or refrigeration source keeps the food cold, take a pass.
- Caffeine– soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. (Limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg a day)
- Herbal Teas (There are so many ingredients in herbal teas so it is best to avoid them simply. Green tea is OK.)
- Alcohol: There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Avoid sauces made with alcohol, desserts made with alcohol, and all alcoholic beverages.
How to eat healthy during pregnancy:
Eating healthily during pregnancy is essential to the development of your baby.
Here are some tips to help make sure you are getting the nutrients you need:
- Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. This will help ensure you get the vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need.
- Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. These can all lead to unhealthy weight gain and other problems during pregnancy.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for both your health and the baby’s health.
- Don’t skip meals. Eating small, frequent meals will help to keep your energy up and prevent you from overeating later on.
- Eating small frequent meals can help decrease morning sickness and heartburn
